The Tower of Babel no longer required her oversight—though it might seem absurd, an academic organization boasting several fifth-stage extraordinary beings needing the concern of a re third-stage being. Yet, the truth was, without Ravenna's several interventions, the Tower would have dissolved long ago.
… Or rather, without Ansel repeatedly acting as the unseen mover, enabling Ravenna to step forward at critical monts, the Tower would have disintegrated.
Now, Ravenna could concentrate on her own affairs: Ansel's covert sches, her grandfather's demise, and how to assist Ansel—these three aspects could proceed concurrently under her planning.
Ansel does not trust now... No, he probably will never trust again, unless his plan succeeds. And should Ansel's plan co to fruition, it signifies that I will... lose my unwavering pursuit of that future.
Thus, it is imperative to maintain cooperation—or rather, the current hierarchical relationship.
Even if it ans being subordinate, even if it entails being mocked, humiliated, or even toyed with by Ansel... as long as this fragile balance can be temporarily preserved.
As Ravenna pondered, she entered the content of the books into her data system.
On this basis, I shall seek ways to minimize the cost of uncovering my grandfather's cause of death from Ansel, who would surely consider this matter a part of his plan, not missing this opportunity, hence vigilance was essential at all tis.
The information provided by Suellen seed futile, yet it revealed a crucial detail—the ti left for was likely short.
The murderer remaining in the imperial capital ant he could leave at any mont, and once this clue was lost, finding the trail again would be uncertain, thus I must seize the opportunity.
Lastly… and most importantly, if I could indeed help Ansel eliminate that threat, everything would lead to a détente, perhaps even reconciliation.
…Could it be?
Ravenna asked herself heavily, wondering if reconciliation with Ansel was truly possible.
If it were as Ansel claid, even if the threat he faced was removed, he would not assist Ravenna again, or even... this matter itself conflicts with her ideals?
Miss puppet, unwilling to ponder further, knew this was not the ti for doubt. Having resolved to assist Ansel, she would continue on her path, regardless of what lay ahead.
Upon entering the alchemical workshop, the entry of the first two books was completed, and Ravenna prepared to input Flalle's three books as well. However, at the mont she began, her form stiffened.
"What is… this?"
The gleam passing over the lens revealed a chaos of characters, what was entered into the data system was not the knowledge from the book, but a jumble of nonsense.
Ravenna, contemplative, opened one of the three books and began to record its contents on paper with a pen, her hand writing erratically beyond her control—not even feeling "out of control," but fully believing she intended to write these things.
"... This is the power of the divine species."
Ravenna murmured complexly, "No matter the thod, it seems impossible to separate the knowledge he bestowed from the dium he designated."
Even a new entity like the data system could not escape the influence, a power almost inscribed upon the world's foundation, absurd and terrifying beyond description.
"Even such power is incapable of resolving Ansel's problem."
She murmured, arranging the three voluminous tos upon the table. This stark reality seed to pose a question to Ravenna on Ansel's behalf:
["What right do you have to assist ?"]
Ravenna Ziegler, by what right do you so arrogantly assu you can aid Ansel?
Right...
Indeed, I lack them. Whether it be my current capabilities or my relationship with Ansel.
With these thoughts, Ravenna still reached for the hefty volu, turning its first page without a mont's hesitation.
But this has no bearing on whether I should act.
Recalling Ansel's affection for Seraphina, the unacknowledged sacrifices entwined within that sentint, and Annelisa's sorrowful expression and words, Ravenna felt compelled to act.
If I am the architect of Ansel's current state... then it is only right that I rectify my mistakes.
"Was that when... Ansel was informing of the formidable power of the Flafeast?"
Ravenna pondered aloud, "The primordial fire, the essence that disassembles and incinerates all things to nourish itself, how does one combat such a force?"
"If the fire of the Flafeast can consu everything, then no elent, no thod holds significance; the approach is utterly aningless, so..."
As she spoke to herself, a chill raced from the base of her spine to the back of her head, and she whirled around to find a specter, shrouded in shadows... inexplicably materializing in her alchemical workshop!
"You—"
"Ravenna Ziegler."
The spectral figure spoke with a detached tone, almost monotonous, like a poorly crafted alchemical puppet. Yet its eerie form and the ability to appear suddenly behind her caused Ravenna's heart to skip a beat.
"By the command of Her Highness, the Elder Princess, I am here to extend her invitation to you."
"The Elder Princess... Her Highness?"
Ravenna, regaining her composure, attempted to steady her emotions: "Her Highness... seeks ?"
"It is rely an invitation to a transaction. Her Highness is intrigued by your data system," the ghost stated indifferently, "Out of basic respect for Lord Ansel, Her Highness is willing to engage in a trade with you. Should you surrender the entirety of the data system, Her Highness is prepared to reveal to you the truth behind Eileen's demise."
"!"
Ravenna's already fragile composure shattered instantaneously, her voice rising almost instinctively: "What did you say!"
"The truth behind Eileen's death, in its entirety, every detail you require, Her Highness can disclose to you," the specter maintained its lifeless tone: "The condition is the surrender of the data system. From the foundational construction of this unique alchemical creation, you must offer it all to Her Highness."
There is a chance... a unique opportunity unlike any offered by Suellen, to directly ascertain the truth.
And superficially, it appears to demand no unbearable price, especially when compared to the reckless gambles of life and death made in collaboration with Suellen, it seems exceedingly favorable. Moreover, no matter how one contemplates, it seems a more prudent choice than seeking Ansel's assistance.
The opportunity to resolve her most fervent desire was tantalizingly within reach.
Yet, it was clear that this was not part of Ansel's sche. Given the stark contrast between him and Evora, and considering the Elder Princess's temperant, it was utterly inconceivable for her to assist Ansel.
If this scenario was indeed within Ansel's calculations… exposing the data system only to attract Evora's attention—it seed implausible. The potential for unforeseen variables was too significant; Ansel would not devise a plan so susceptible to change. Thus, this was not a trap, but a tangible opportunity.
The truth—
Ravenna's body trembled slightly. For fifteen long years… her life had been consud by the pursuit of a nebulous future and… the quest for the truth of the past.
Her most revered grandfather, who aspired to transform the empire and propel this stagnant world into a lofty future, t a grueso end before her eyes. His head severed, his heart excised, he died in a manner that seed to mock his ambitious endeavors, right in front of Ravenna.
From that mont, hatred and fear beca the driving forces behind her progress, as well as persistent nightmares.
Now, the chance to end these nightmares was right before her. By surrendering the data system, by relinquishing this object, she could...
The tumultuous emotions within Ravenna suddenly subsided.
To surrender... the data system.
Was it akin to the ti… she created firearms?
To give away sothing that was not originally hers?
Whether it was firearms or the data system, both were creations of Ravenna.
Yet, she was acutely aware that without Ansel, she could not have produced a new weapon that would catch Evora's interest for the Tower of Babel; without Ansel, she could not have created this data system that brought countless conveniences and elevated the Tower of Babel to new heights, even attracting Evora's gaze.
"Still undecided?" The ghostly voice grew colder, "Do not squander Her Highness's grace."
"...I."
The delicate woman, puppet-like in her finesse, bowed her head, her voice slightly hoarse:
"Th foundation of the data system, I cannot use it as a bargaining chip."
"It belongs to... Ansel."
In Ravenna's mind, the image of Ansel discussing the data system, his eyes sparkling with excitent, resurfaced.
["It's like a net, a net that can connect the entire empire, allowing countless people to transcend countless limitations, to pierce through—"
"To pierce through… that iron wall of knowledge that has stood for thousands of years!"]
At that ti… Ansel had described this dreamlike vision with such fervent joy.
Therefore, even when exposing the data system, Ravenna endeavored to conceal its additional capabilities and its potential to revolutionize the future beyond anyone's imagination.
No, it cannot be so...
This is not the firearm, nor is it the violence that sustains the Tower of Babel's existence. Even if its true purpose remains undetected by individuals such as the Elder Princess, its entirety cannot be bartered.
In negotiations with the Duke of Magus Primus, a similar proposition was made, but at that ti, Ravenna rely believed the trade lacked equitable value. Now, however, she harbors a novel perspective—
This is an object imbued with Ansel's ideals.
The terror of extre coercion, the plight of utter isolation, the sacrifices now habitual... All these prevent Ravenna from making the choice that, from her standpoint, would seem natural and justified.
She cannot bear to see sothing once radiant with Ansel's splendid light treated as a re bargaining chip by her, to secure advantages solely for herself.
She refuses to allow herself to commit such a despicable act of defilent!
"May Her Highness forgive ."
Ravenna Ziegler, gazing at the dark specter, her voice soft yet resolute, declares:
"I... reject this transaction."
Even if in Ansel's eyes she is unforgivable, a contemptible failure, a traitor...
Ravenna Ziegler, you too have sothing that must be upheld.
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